South Dakota
Rapid Creek below Pactola Dam
Location Snapshot
Rapid Creek below Pactola Dam is a cold Black Hills tailwater below Pactola Dam, distinct from Pactola Reservoir itself. Brown and rainbow trout are the principal supported targets, with the broader managed trout fishery adding additional species variety to the same fishery.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 17.4 CFS
- Gage Height
- 7.22 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 06411500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
49°F
Feels like
42°F
Wind
7 mph W
Wind gust
11 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 3:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 4 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 8 AM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 12 PM
Clear
Temp 71°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 4 PM
Clear
Temp 69°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 54°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 71°F / Low 47°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 63°F / Low 42°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 78°F / Low 51°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 24 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 76°F / Low 54°F
Chance 10%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 38 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Brown and rainbow trout are in the mixed, regulated-flow fishery on the Rapid Creek below Pactola Dam.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Rapid Creek.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Regulated flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Fly fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Stocking information
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Pennington, South Dakota
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Pennington
Management Category
Black Hills regulated tailwater trout river
Regulation Scope
Rapid Creek below Pactola Dam.
Regulation Summary
Rapid Creek below Pactola Dam: GFP Black Hills Fish Management Area trout rules on the bounded Pactola tailwater. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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